Conn. senators react to horrific school shooting (Updated)

12/14/12 1:11 PM EST

Connecticut’s two senators, Joe Lieberman and Richard Blumenthal, expressed sorrow and offered prayers Friday after a deadly mass shooting at an elementary school in Newtown.

The Associated Press reported that as many as 27 people are dead, including 18 children.

Lieberman spokeswoman Whitney Phillips said the senator and his staff are closely monitoring the situation and have been receiving periodic updates. Lieberman was briefed about the shooting late Friday morning by White House officials after he attended a bill signing there.

The retiring senator said he spoke with both President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, "both of whom share our grief and will do everything they can to console, comfort, and strengthen the survivors and the community."

"Hadassah and I are shocked and heartbroken by the horrific events in Newtown today. We know this community and its people well. It is a beautiful town with wonderful people. As parents and grandparents, our hearts grieve for them today, and we send our prayers to each of them," Lieberman said in a statement.

"I will do everything in my power to assist the victims, survivors and their loved ones in the long days ahead, and extend my deepest sympathies to everyone affected by this terrible event."

Blumenthal, a father of four, said "my heart and prayers are with these innocent victims, their families, and the entire community.

"I share the shock of all Connecticut at this hideous, horrific crime of inhuman violence," he said in a statement. "I will be in close communication with law enforcement and state and local officials to ensure they receive the federal support and resources they need. "

Both senators have served as Connecticut attorney general.

UPDATE: Sen.-elect Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), who currently represents the Congressional district where the fatal Newtown, Conn. elementary school shooting took place earlier today, expressed shock and sadness over the news. Murphy won election to the Senate this fall.